The Lion’s Pride: Networking - Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part II: Asking The Right Questions

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The Lion’s Pride: Networking

Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part II: Asking The Right Questions

Sally and her associates know who you need to speak to in order to further your networking efforts. She and her friends also know the what, when, where, why and how. We've reviewed how and why to get them on your side. Today, we'll talk about how to ask the right questions.

Before we do, though, let's review three obvious points:

Approach them like you're networking with them. Talk to them like they're high-powered individuals and treat them like you owe them a favor. Why? Because they are and you will.

Don't go over the top and lavish them with gifts nor >ahem!< "favors" (I wouldn't have to mention these if they hadn't been done). You wouldn't do that with other contacts, so why would you do so with them? Besides - they will see through this cheese and screen you out. Chances are, they will also feel quite insulted and tell anyone who will listen that you're a cheesy creep. Going over the top will have the direct opposite effect you are hoping for.

Smile. In person, smiling conveys friendliness. Over the phone, it gives your voice a more appealing resonance. 'Nuff said.

Like I said - three obvious points.

So what questions should you ask? Quick answer: simple, open questions. Simple questions are direct and to the point without complex verbiage. Open questions are those who allow more than a "yes" or "no" response.

That being said, since Sally and her associates know the who, what, when, where, why and how, your questions should include those words. For instance:

Who are Mr. Smith's chief advisers?
"     does he report to?

What does has schedule look like this week?
"       does your schedule look like this week?

When does he typically have slow periods to speak?
"        do you typically have time to speak?

Where are your offices within the office complex?
"         did he go to school?

Why...? Many look upon questions starting with "why?" as direct challenges or marks of desperation. As such, we recommend avoiding "why?" questions.

How can I get more company information that what's on your web site?
"      can I thank you for the time and information you've given me?

Obviously, there are almost an infinite number of questions you can ask with these starter words. Keep in mind that you're seeking information from Sally and her friends, and you should be willing to share information as well.

IN THE CARAVAN: Mind the three obvious points and keep your questions simple and open-ended.

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Business Card Pack Rats / Gump-Style Networking / Becoming the Hub Increases Your Brand / Becoming the Hub II: Building Self-Feeding Buzz / Myths and Truisms / Grow Your Network - Go Where The Employers Are! / It's Not What You Know... / Always Be Prepared...Even If You're Not a Boy Scout / How to Make Six Degrees of Separation Work (Even If You're Not Kevin Bacon) / Marketing and Branding Yourself, Part I / Branding II: Your Website or Blog / Finding the Right Contact Person / Give a Little to Get a Little / Why Join Organizations? / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 1 / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 2: The Winning of The Sally / First Contact With Mr. Smith, Part 3: First Impressions / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part 1 / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part II: It's Not the Song, It's the Singer / Asking Mr. Smith for Help, Part III: Getting down to business / Networking at Job Fairs / Doing It On the Road / Networking Online / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part I / Getting Info From Sally & Co., Part II: Asking The Right Questions / Networking Out of Town Part I: Laying the Foundation / Networking Out of Town Part II: Touring for Interviews / Working the Network by Feeding the Network / 'Running' Into Contacts / You Only Get What You Ask For / Press the Flesh II: Small Talk / Press the Flesh Like a Pro / Playing the Percentages / Fishing and the Right Bait / Shrek Style / Get Your Butterflies Flying In Formation / Discover Other People’s Passions / Double Dipping Doing Good / Overbooking Your Way to a New Job / Shaking the Branches of Your Family Tree / Working Your Reunion / Parents of Your Kids' Friends